2004 Mercury Grand Marquis vs. 2008 Opel Astra
To start off, 2008 Opel Astra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis (224 HP) has 120 more horse power than 2008 Opel Astra. (104 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 517 kg more than 2008 Opel Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Opel Astra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis (373 Nm) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Astra. (150 Nm). This means 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Astra. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis has automatic transmission and 2008 Opel Astra has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis | 2008 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Grand Marquis | Astra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 104 HP |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1832 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 52 L |
